I picked up a used Eflite (Parkzone) Radian from a guy here on RCGroups and I have to tell you, it is the EASIEST plane to fly. It needs no stabilization or gyro. It has become my all around favorite plane to fly and has really made me a "glider junkie".

Here's a short video I shot while flying at my club's flying site in Langhorne PA.

I've been wanting a glider like this for a while now and was at the point where I was going to start building my own based off of Springer's OSG (One Sheet Glider). Except this one would have a 2 meter wingspan. But a couple days ago I came across a SF Hawk 2M electric glider that was offered for sale in the RCGroups' Classifieds Ads. So I bought it!It came with a Spektrum RX, motor, esc, servos, and even a 2200mAh lipo. This thing was PRISTINE. Notice the "was"?

So I get it home and start to go through the whole deal to get it bound to my DX9 and program all the control surfaces. I'm at the point where I'm programming the end points for the throttle when I bump the throttle and the glider jumps off the desk and almost hits the wall. But I caught it before it hit. However, the battery flies out and into the prop. Which promptly cuts the red power lead and breaks off one CF prop blade.

So after cursing a blue streak for a couple minutes I look at the damage and start repairing. The battery had a Dean's Connector (which I HATE!). So I replaced it with an XT60. During the process the balance lead connector must have come in contact with the soldering iron shaft and it's MELTED beyond repair.

WHAT THE HELL? Do I have Monkey's Paw in my back pocket? Did I somehow come into possession of that Tiki Doll from the Brady Bunch? (there's a 1970s reference for you)

Oh no, it doesn't end there. I repair the battery and it's as good as new....Continue Reading